Per Hannevold

Per Hannevold has been the Principal Bassoon for the Bergen Philharmonic since 1979. He has also been part of the Bergen Wind Quintet for 23 years. Per is a full professor at the University of Bergen and is part of the faculty of the Aspen Music Festival and School.

Per was born in Hamar, Norway. When younger, he wanted to play the drums, but since his brother was already playing them, he began playing the instrument his father played, the trumpet. Later he changed to the trombone, then to the clarinet, and finally to the bassoon at the age of 14.

Per studied at the conservatory in Oslo. He also studied in the United States with Harold Joltzer and Louis Skinner. His first job was playing with the Norwegian Radio Orchestra. He played with this group until he got his job with the Bergen Philharmonic.

In his free time, Per enjoys riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and reading. His favorite composers are Shostakovich and Stravinsky because he thinks they understood the instrument the best. If you want to become a successful bassoonist, Per's advice to you is to be totally dedicated to the instrument. You should look forward to going to work everyday and truly like the bassoon. If not, you should do something else.